Fluffy WangXian Oneshots Book Two

Music And Memories Part 7

Lan Zhan comes downstairs to find SiZhui finishing up after cleaning the kitchen. For a moment, they just stare at one another, and then Lan Zhan opens his arms. SiZhui fits into his embrace as if he's made for this, a piece of his own heart slotting into place. They don't hug often just because, but when they do, it means something.

His son has a unique fragrance around him, as if his body somehow absorbed baby powder and vanilla, and for Lan Zhan, it reminds him of a happier time. A time for a family of three. Wei Ying had always been the chatty one, easily coaxing their son to say what was on his mind, but his own connection with this soul wasn't as obvious. Perhaps it is because Lan Zhan has always been reticent at voicing his thoughts that SiZhui has adopted this method for bonding with him; sometimes, they only need to share a glance and they know what the other is thinking.

Today hasn't been tough for just Mo XuanYu.

Two other souls have been affected by his presence in this place as much as he. It is incredibly hard to have him here and refrain from being overly familiar, to revert back to their natural camaraderie, the way the three of them made living together work. One had been a dance with partners who knew the moves, and this is searching for someone who isn't there, with empty arms.

“Are you alright?” Lan Zhan asks him, because he wants SiZhui to put words to his thoughts and see if his own experience matches up.

“Not really. I mean, it's Dad, but it isn't. And I just want things to go back to normal. I hated seeing him get hurt like that.” He's referring to the video footage Luo QingYang had shown them about the night Wei WuXian had disappeared.

“Mn.” This singular word is full of regret, fermented after being bottled up for so long and therefore much stronger now.

“Dad, it's not healthy to keep blaming yourself. The real criminals are behind bars.”

Not all of them, Lan Zhan thinks. But he doesn't want to make SiZhui worry about things that are out of their control.

“I will do better,” he says instead, because SiZhui deserves an answer even if it isn't the one he wants. “Do you want to stay for a while?”

SiZhui pulls away, shaking his head. “After being away for so long, my own bed is calling to me.”

“I'll walk you there,” Lan Zhan replies, fetching both of their jackets.

Outside, it's a clear night with all the stars shining above them in a velvet sky. They walk slowly under well lit paths, comfortable in the silence of two people who are used to it. When they reach the recording studio building, SiZhui turns to him.

“I think I'm going to go stay with Jin Ling for a few days, catch up with him and JingYi. Give Xian-Gege some time to get used to living here again.”

“Mn. As he said, he wants to make it easier by going in stages.”

“I was scared today,” SiZhui admits.

He looks so vulnerable now, a far cry from the confident, charismatic lead singer of a successful band, used to playing in front of thousands of fans. Under the lamplight, he's just a little boy missing his absent father.

“When? In the kitchen?” Lan Zhan means when Mo XuanYu had a mini flashback triggered by the smell of his favourite dish. But while that hadn't been intentional on Lan Zhan’s part, he had wanted to do something nice for the Wei Ying that wasn't there with them.

“That too, but later on, when we were with Tofu and Bean. I thought he would remember.”

“The brain is a strange organ. His brain has suffered an injury the likes of which we cannot comprehend the severity of, and it is trying to regroup. Who knows if being in a familiar place will help or hinder his healing? All we can do is try to be there for him.” Lan Zhan pats his head affectionately. “SiZhui, it is alright to take some time for yourself. I am here. You do not need to feel guilty, either.”